Our Top 20 Villas For Amazing Backyard Snorkeling!

Snorkel reef.
Explore the depths of Grand Cayman.

 

Imagine exploring an underwater world just steps off your own back yard.  For guests vacationing at some of our villas that convenience is a reality.

To help our guests find the perfect villa with the best snorkeling we’ve complied a list of homes only a few feet away from fantastic coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life to discover.  Don’t worry about packing your own snorkel gear either.  Masks, fins, and snorkels are all provided complimentary to our guests as part of the Silver Thatch Guest Services program bundled with your villa rental.  So put down your drink, grab your gear, and head to the water’s edge to get your backyard snorkeling on!

Cayman Dream – Rum Point – Fantastic snorkeling off the north coast and plenty of marine life to see directly off a private beach.

Moon Glow – Cayman Kai – located between Rum Point Beach and Cayman Kai Beach with great snorkeling just a few steps off the elevated sundeck.

Sea Beauty – Cottage District – In addition to excellent snorkeling, large sea turtles make their nests on this wide stretch of private beach with cabanas, shaded hammocks, and picnic areas.

Babylon Reef – Old Man Bay – Probably one of the best backyard snorkel spots on the entire island.  Only a few feet offshore are two long coral heads situated end-to-end.  Although it is very shallow, there may be times when the current is a little strong.  Nothing to fear, but small children should wear life vests and hold an adult’s hand while exploring.

Cayman Castle – East End – Not only is the Castle next to Ocean Frontiersone of the world’s premier dive companiesit’s also close to amazing coral heads marked by a white pole about 100 yards off the Castle’s patio.  Swim out to the pole or take a kayak.  Be sure to take the dive flag located in the dive box so small boaters who occasionally pass by will see you.

Beach and waterline at Babylon Reef


Lone Palm
– East End – Lone Palm has access to the same coral heads as Cayman Castle.  The beach between the two properties is private for Castle guests only, but you’ll be able to swim to the pole marker from Lone Palm’s backyard.

Cayman Castle Guesthouse – East End – Rents separately when not part of a Castle booking.  Shares the same beach and the same coral heads at the white pole!

Castaway Cove – North Side – Cayman’s protective coral reef, which surrounds the island, is closest on the north side with interior coral heads close to shore.  Start your underwater adventure by launching off this villa’s private dock, then relax above the waves under the dock’s thatched cabana.

Gypsy – Rum Point – Villas located on this northern stretch of the island are close to a robust habitat of marine life.

Hilltime – Rum Point – A collection of large coral heads in this stretch of ocean.  Hilltime has amazing ocean views from the great room and elevated sundecks.

Mahogany Cove – Cottage District – Located along the south shore near Heritage Beach which is known for excellent snorkeling.

Olympus – Rum Point – Follow the private path down to the beach and begin your underwater adventure.  Rinse off in the outdoor shower just off the pool deck.

Lone Palm in East End.

 

Amoraflora– Rum Point – Not only great snorkeling but a fun pickleball court for land lovers.  This villa also features an outdoor shower and an 80′ lap pool with elevated gazebo you can swim under!

Coral Kai – Rum Point – Excellent snorkeling in shallow water along with large sandy beach.

Ocean Kai – Rum Point – Like Coral Kai, lots of shallow water in which to explore.  Rinse off in the infinity pool.

Sea Grape – Rum Point – Amazing sea life.  Wide private beach.

Calypso Blue – North Side – Coral heads only a few feet from shore.

Far Tortuga – North Side – A private 120′ pier with thatched cabana and ladder makes snorkeling behind this villa super easy.  Jump in and take off.

Twin Palms – Rum Point – Your family will have fun playing on this expansive beach and shallow water.  Take the kayaks or swim.  Either way there is a lot of exploring to be done here.

Night Snorkeling at Far Tortuga